Friends are God’s Precious Gifts
Sirach 6:14-17 says, “The faithful friend is a secure refuge; whoever has found one has found a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond all price; hold him as priceless. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, and those who fear the Lord will find one. Whoever fears the Lord will make true friends for, as a man is, such will his friend be.”
These are Living Words of God i strongly affirm and believe.
Last September 14, 2008, we brought my mom to the hospital for her left hip be checked by an orthopedic since she slipped in our bathroom, and had been suffering pain in that area. My mom had stroke attack twice already and seeing her in pain brought much agony to me. And after she had her x-ray, the doctor told us that she had hip fracture and needs an immediate operation for her to be relieved from pain and be given the chance to walk again.
The thought of relief to my mom is a great desire. I love my mom so much that I never wanted to see her suffer more. Yet, in my heart I had trouble thinking where to get the money to buy the prosthetic and other expenses needed for her operation. In 2 weeks time, I needed to raise money and God knows, I don’t know where to get it. My monthly salary is enough to finance our daily needs at home but not to finance an entire operation procedure. I never wanted to borrow money from loan sharks since it’s interest is quite staggering. I lifted to God my concerns. I was worried but I always believed that God has always took care of things I needed most.
I don’t have a choice but to open to some friends my concerns. And I was surprised of God’s overwhelming response through them. I was able to raise the money I needed for the operation and extra money for her medicines, in barely a week! My mom was able to have her operation on September 27th, as scheduled. God is indeed a great provider!
What is quite touching is the fact that some of those who helped me - brothers and sisters from SFC-Guam and Von are people I never met in person yet. I was even touched when I knew that Sis. Merly Carandang’s mom was also undergoing the same predicament as my mom, and yet, she never hesitated to send help to me. They are example of people who are unselfish in sharing God’s love, even to a “stranger” like me. I am considered a cherished friend.. and I felt true friendship through them - God’s love in flesh…
My long time friendship with Angelica, Sis. Malou, Jasmin and Bro. Richard is a proof that true friendship is tested most in one’s lowest moment. Their financial support and prayers have made everything possible. I was never left alone. I felt their support, even with the distance that separate us. I am forever grateful.
The Sisters of the Poor Clares Monastery (through Sr. Fatima), the Mary Consolatrix of the Eucharist (through Mother Mary Francis), the SFC Community, Ate Meenje, Ate Genia, and many friends who prayed for my mom’s successful operation have been angels sent from God. Their prayers interceded on our behalf and allowed miracles to unfold in those trying moments.
God helps indeed those who have the humility to seek for help and those who believe that God will indeed send aid. I used to think that i could survive on my own. But my weaknesses and limitations allowed me to see that there are blessing which could only be taken by humbling ourselves. As of this point, I am thinking what could have happened to my mom if I allowed my pride to overrule me? She may be still in pain and wallowing in depression. I may still be in trouble and feeling so guilty since I have not done anything to take the pain from my mom.
Indeed, it pays to lose ourselves if it could mean survival of another person. I lost my pride but I helped regained the strength and hope for my mom. I gave her the faith that indeed nothing is impossible with God. That since God allowed a “miracle” operation for her, it is never hopeless for her to walk again. And I know deep in her heart, she also have the same conviction and faith now. Isn’t that a wonderful exchange?
Mom is home now and recuperating because of the goodness of my friends.
Yes, friends are indeed treasures. And I will forever cherish this gift I have been generously given. I know that I have never been the most perfect child God deserves, yet, I felt so much awed to feel such overwhelming love showered my way, every moment in my life, especially in times I needed help the most.
I will forever be grateful for everyone’s love for me. I do pray that as my friends have become blessing to me and my family, may I likewise be a blessing to others.
I am indeed blessed by God… coz i have TRUE FRIENDS….
